Shoe suspension system

ABSTRACT

A shoe suspension system and device are provided. In a first version of the Present Invention a device attached to an undersole of a shoe directs a spring force toward the ground in one direction and toward a heel section of the undersole of the shoe, whereby the heel section receives the spring force in an axis substantially normal to the undersole. In another version, a ground plate extends from a hinge, the hinge is attached to the shoe undersole, and a spring element is coupled at one end to the ground plane and at another end to the undersole, whereby a substantially planar orientation of undersole is supported by the device. In yet another version, a linkage including a plurality of hinges and arms is attached to a shoe undersole and directs a force toward a heel plane of the undersole.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The Present Invention relates generally to footwear. The Present Invention more particularly relates to footwear that provides both stability and cushioning.

2. Description of the Background Art

The prior art and related art includes attempts to provide cushioning devices that are disposed between a foot and a ground surface to reduce the impact forces of locomotion. The prior art methods associated with an increase of cushioning brings with it some level of proportional decrease in stability. For this reason, the prior art has involved a compromise between cushioning and stability.

The principal objective of the Present Invention is to provide a device coupled with, or in combination with, a shoe that sponsors the stability and cushioning of a foot wearing the shoe. These and other objectives of the Present Invention will be apparent to those skilled in this field from the following description of various aspects of the Present Invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Towards this object and other objects that will be made obvious in light of this disclosure, a first preferred alternate aspect of the Present Invention includes a midsole device having a hinge, a ground plate and a spring element. The first preferred alternate aspect (hereafter “first midsole device”) may be coupled with, or be comprised within, the footwear (hereafter, “shoe”). The hinge is positioned to rotate about a hinge axis that is substantially normal to a longitudinal heel-toe axis of the shoe. The ground plate is rotationally coupled with the hinge, and is configured to position the spring element to provide a spring force toward a heel of a wearer and a spring force against a ground surface.

Certain alternate aspects of the Present Invention comprise one or more of the aspects of (1.) two or more spring elements; (2.) two or more hinges; (3.) one or more spring loaded hinges; (4.) one or more living hinges; (4.) multiple hinges and arms, each arm coupled with two hinges; (5.) one or more pinned hinges; and (6.) one or more rear plates, each rear plate for supporting the wearer's heel or foot.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

U.S. Pat. No. 4,592,153 (Inventor: Jacinto, J. M.; issued on Jun. 3, 1986) titled “Heel construction”; U.S. Pat. No. 5,437,110 (Inventors: Goldston, et al.; issued on Aug. 1, 1995) titled “Adjustable shoe heel spring and stabilizer”; U.S. Pat. No. 6,021,588 (Inventor: Alviso, T.; issued on Feb. 8, 2000) titled “Shoe assembly”; U.S. Pat. No. 6,807,753 (Inventors: Steszyn, et al.; issued on Oct. 26, 2004) titled “Shoe with tunable cushioning system”; U.S. Pat. No. 6,928,756 (Inventor: Haynes, R.; issued on Aug. 16, 2005) titled “Jump assisting spring heel shoe”; U.S. Pat. No. 7,100,308 (Inventor: Aveni, M.; issued on Sep. 5, 2006) titled “Footwear with a heel plate assembly”; and U.S. Pat. No. 7,155,844 (Inventor: Chu, Y. T.; issued on Jan. 2, 2007) titled “Shock-absorbing shoe structure having adjustable elasticity”; and US Patent App. Publication No.'s 20050166422 (Inventors: Schaeffer, et al.; published on Aug. 4, 2005) titled “Shoe with an articulated spring-loaded outsole”; and 20070119074 (Inventors: Aveni, et al.; published on May 31, 2007) titled “IMPACT-ATTENUATION MEMBERS AND PRODUCTS CONTAINING SUCH MEMBERS” are incorporated herein by reference and for all purposes. In addition, each and all publications, patents, and patent applications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent, in their entirety and for all purposes, as if each individual publication, patent, or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These, and further features of the Present Invention, may be better understood with reference to the accompanying specification and drawings depicting one or more aspects of a preferred configuration, in which:

FIG. 1A is a cut-away side view of a first midsole device designed in accordance with the method of the Present Invention (hereafter, “first midsole device”) as attached to a shoe;

FIG. 1B is a cut-away bottom-side view of a first midsole device of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 1C is a cut-away reverse view of a first midsole device of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2A is a cut-away view of a second alternate aspect of the Present Invention (hereafter, “second midsole device”) as attached to a show a first aspect of a living hinge and an included spring element;

FIG. 2B is a cut-away top-side view of a second midsole device of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 2C is a cut-away side view of a second midsole device of FIG. 2A with an additional focus on the included living hinge flex point;

FIG. 2D is a cut-away side view of a second midsole device of FIG. 2A an additional focus on the included living hinge flex point that has optionally configured the living hinge as a stiff living hinge that is both a hinge and a provider of spring force;

FIG. 3A is a cut-away top view of a third alternate aspect of the Present Invention (hereafter, “third midsole device”) that includes six hinges and six intermediate arms;

FIG. 3B a cut-away top-side view of a third midsole device of FIG. 3A that includes the axes of motion;

FIG. 3C a cut-away side view of a third midsole device of FIG. 3A;

FIG. 4A is a cut-away side view of a fourth alternate aspect of the Present Invention (hereafter, “fourth midsole device”) that includes two hinges;

FIG. 4B is a cut-away top-side view of a fourth midsole device of FIG. 4A;

FIG. 4C is a cut-away rear view of a fourth midsole device of FIG. 4A;

FIG. 5A is a cut-away side view of a fifth alternate aspect of the Present Invention (hereafter, “fifth midsole device”) that includes a second aspect of a living hinge;

FIG. 5B is a cut-away top-side view of a fifth midsole device of FIG. 5A;

FIG. 5C is a front view of the fifth midsole device of FIG. 5A;

FIG. 6A is a rear view of a first aspect of a midsole spring block of FIG. 1A that provides spring force through exterior buckling columns;

FIG. 6B is a perspective view of the first aspect of the midsole spring block of FIG. 6B;

FIG. 7A is a perspective view of a second aspect of a set of midsole blocks of FIG. 1A that provides spring force through interior buckling columns;

FIG. 7B is a rear view of the set of midsole spring blocks of FIG. 7A; and

FIG. 8 is a bottom view of a sixth alternate aspect of the Present Invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It is to be understood that the Present Invention is not limited to particular aspects of the Present Invention described, as such may, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only, and is not intended to be limiting, since the scope of the Present Invention will be limited only by the appended claims.

Methods recited herein may be carried out in any order of the recited events which is logically possible, as well as the recited order of events.

Where a range of values is provided herein, it is understood that each intervening value, to the tenth of the unit of the lower limit unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, between the upper and lower limit of that range and any other stated or intervening value in that stated range, is encompassed within the Present Invention. The upper and lower limits of these smaller ranges may independently be included in the smaller ranges and are also encompassed within the Present Invention, subject to any specifically excluded limit in the stated range. Where the stated range includes one or both of the limits ranges excluding either or both of those included limits are also included in the invention.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can also be used in the practice or testing of the Present Invention, the methods and materials are now described.

Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to FIGS. 1A and 1B, FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B are respectively a side view and a bottom-side view of footwear 1 coupled with a first midsole device 2. The first midsole device 2 includes a ground plate 4A rotationally coupled with a first hinge 6. The first hinge 6 is attached to a first undersole 8A of footwear and enables rotation of the ground plate 4A about an axis 10, wherein the axis 10 (as per FIG. 1B) is substantially normal to a heel-toe axis H of the footwear 1. The ground plate 4A extends from the first hinge 6 and toward a heel of the footwear. A midsole block 12 or blocks 12 provide spring force to the midsole device 2 and is coupled on one end with the undersole 8A of the footwear 1 and on the other end at the insole of the ground plate 4A. The ground plate 4A is optionally configured to inhibit contact of a heel midsole 12 of the footwear 1 and an external contact surface (not shown), whereby the heel of the footwear 1 does not typically touch the ground when a wearer of the footwear 1 is walking, standing, or running.

Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to FIG. 1C, FIG. 1C is a reverse view showing the midsole spring block 12, or spring assembly 12, of the first midsole device 2 of FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B. The ground plate 4A of the first midsole device 2 may freely rotate about the axis 10 and is substantially constrained in the remaining five degrees of freedom relative to undersole 8A of the footwear 1 by one or more spring assemblies 12 optionally composed of two polyurethane buckling columns that create spring force with spring material cores used as general shape support, as described below in reference to FIGS. 6A, 6B, 7A & 7B.

Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly FIGS. 2A and 2B, FIG. 2A is a cut-away side view of a second midsole device 14 having a living hinge 16, and FIG. 2B is a cut-away top-side view of the second midsole device 14. The second midsole device 14 includes a first aspect of a living hinge 16 coupled with a ground plate 4B. The living hinge 16 is attached to the front and back of an alternate second undersole 8B of the footwear 1 and constricts movement in the direction of the axis 10 normal to the heel-toe axis while constraining movement of the ground plate 4B in relation to the second undersole 8B in the remaining five degrees of freedom relative to the heel-toe axis. The one or more spring element midsoles 12 are configured and positioned to apply a spring force that drives the ground plate 4B away from a heel of the footwear 1.

Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to FIG. 2C, FIG. 2C is a cut away side view of the second midsole device 14 of FIG. 2A with an additional focus on the included living hinge 16. This aspect of a living hinge 16 could optionally be constructed of a flexible plastic 15 material and has flex limiters 17 that constrict the range of flexibility to certain points on the living hinge 16.

Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to FIG. 2D, FIG. 2D is a cut-away side view of the second midsole device 14 of FIG. 2A that has optionally configured the living hinge 16 as comprising a stiff living hinge 16A that is both a hinge and a provider of spring force. In this configuration the stiff living hinge 16A is made of a stiffer flexible plastic 15A that will provide spring force to drive the undersole 8B and ground plate 4B apart.

Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C, FIG. 3B is a cut-away side view a third midsole device 18 that includes six hinges 20A-20F and four intermediate arms 22A-22D, FIG. 3B a cut-away top-side view of a third midsole device 18 and FIG. 3C is a cut-away side view of the third midsole device 18 zoomed in closer than FIG. 3A.

A first intermediate arm 22A is rotationally coupled (a.) with a first upper hinge 20A to the first undersole 8A, and (b.) with a first lower hinge 20B to a second intermediate arm 22B. The second intermediate arm 22B is rotationally coupled (a.) with the first lower hinge 20B to the first intermediate arm 22A, and (b.) with a second lower hinge 20C to the ground plate 4C.

A third intermediate arm 22C is rotationally coupled (a.) with a third lower hinge 20D to the first undersole 8A, and (b.) with a fourth lower hinge 20E to a fourth intermediate arm 22D. The fourth intermediate arm 22D is rotationally coupled (a.) with the fourth lower hinge 20E to the third intermediate arm 22C, and (b.) with a second upper hinge 20F to the first undersole 8A.

It is understood that the hinges 20A-20F may comprise or be pivot elements optionally provide torsional forces to the intermediate arms 22A-22D, ground plate 4C, and/or the first undersole 8A in certain alternate aspects of the Present Invention.

The third midsole device 18 includes a spring midsole 12 whereby spring force is directed against a third undersole 8C of the footwear 1 and a third ground plate 4C. Each intermediate arm 22 is rotationally coupled with a linkage hinge 20 at each of two ends. Each linkage hinge 20 is configured and positioned to enable rotation about axes 10A-10F, wherein each axes 10A-10F are substantially normal to the heel-toe axis of the footwear 1. The gap between the ground plate 4C and the undersole 8C is spanned by one or more heel midsoles 12 which provide spring force and are optionally constructed of two polyurethane buckling columns with ethylene vinyl acetate foam core. Ethylene vinyl acetate foam, i.e. Chemical Abstracts Service No. 24937-78-8, also known as “EVA” or sometimes simply as “acetate”. The portion of vinyl acetate of the EVA foam of the source material 40 typically varies from 10% to 40% by weight with the remainder of the EVA material being ethylene.

Various aspects of the heel midsoles may exhibit a linear spring constant behavior, a non-linear spring constant.

A linkage assembly 23 comprising the linkage hinges 20 and the intermediate arms 22 may be attached to the shoe 1 by an adhesive or other suitable attachment means known in the art. Additionally or alternatively, the linkage assembly 23 may be constrained within a heel module of the shoe, wherein the linkage assembly is substantially housed within the heel module.

Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C, FIG. 4A is a cut-away side view of a fourth midsole device 24 that includes two hinges 28 & 30, FIG. 4B cut-away top-side view of the fourth midsole device 24 and FIG. 4C is a cut-away rear view of the fourth midsole device 24. This fourth midsole device 24 includes a first hinge 28, an intermediate arm 26, a second hinge 30 and a fourth ground plate 4D, wherein the intermediate arm 26 is coupled with the first hinge 28 and the second hinge 30. The second hinge 30 is configured for enabling rotation of the ground plate 4D about an axis 10I that is parallel to the rotational axis 10G of the first hinge 28. The spring element 12 includes one or more of the midsole block or blocks 12 of the fourth midsole device 24. The fourth ground plate 4D is thereby coupled with the second hinge 30, whereby the intermediate arm 26 and the fourth ground plate 4D are enabled to rotate about the axis 10 and are substantially constrained in five degrees of freedom relative to the heel-toe axis.

The fourth ground plate 4D is optionally configured to inhibit contact of a heel midsole 12 of the footwear 1 and an external contact surface (not shown), whereby the heel of the footwear 1 does not typically touch the ground when a wearer of the footwear 1 is walking, standing, or running.

Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C, FIG. 5A is a cut-away side view of a fifth midsole device 34 that includes a second aspect of a living hinge 36, and FIG. 5B is a cut-away top-side view of a fifth midsole device 34. This fifth midsole device 34 compromises a fifth undersole 8E and a fifth ground plate 4E separated by a gap spanned by a spring element midsole 12 which can optionally be constructed of one of more blocks comprising two polyurethane buckling columns that would create spring force with EVA foam core. Additionally the second living hinge 36 serves as an intermediate arm between the fifth undersole 8E and the fifth ground plate 4E. The second living hinge 36 substantially limits motion in the direction of the axis 10 which is normal to the heel-toe axis, but allows motion within and along the heel-toe axis and a vertical axis (not shown) about which a standing leg might be centered.

One or more living hinges 16, 16A, or 36 can optionally and similarly be stiffened to provide additional spring force much in the same way of the midsole device referenced by FIG. 2D.

FIG. 5C is a front view of the fifth midsole device 34.

Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to FIGS. 6A and 6B, FIG. 6A is a rear view of the first alternate midsole block 12 (or “first midsole block” 12) that provides spring force through exterior buckling columns 38 while FIG. 6B is a perspective view of the same first midsole block 12. The midsole block 12 of FIG. 1A could be framed by two stiff buckling columns 38 optionally made from polyurethane that would run for the length of the first midsole block 12 along the heel-toe axis providing spring force to the footwear 1. Additionally the columns' 38 rigidity would limit movement of the midsole device in the direction of the heel-toe axis. Furthermore these columns 38 could optionally be constructed with a side bias in order to ensure the same direction of collapse with applied weight. The rest of the midsole block 12 shape would be constructed of a durometer source material 40 exhibiting low rigidity providing general shape support for the block. The durometer source material 40 may be or comprise EVA material, e.g., EVA foam. The column geometry and material properties are configured to achieve stiff, low vertical displacement whilst undergoing typical walking loads and compliant, high vertical displacement whilst undergoing typical running loads. This arrangement allows the cushioning forces to only react to loads that exceed a predetermined level.

Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to FIGS. 7A and 7B; FIG. 7A is a cut-away top-side view of a second midsole block 12B of a set of second midsole blocks 12B that provides spring force through interior buckling columns 38 and FIG. 7B is a second view of the same second midsole block 12B. The stiff buckling columns 38 in each of these second aspect midsole blocks 12B act for the same purpose as well as have the same construction as the first aspect of the midsole block 12. The placement and number of these stiff buckling columns 38 could vary according preference. One or more stiff buckling columns 38 would be placed at various locations within the midsole blocks 12B to provide spring force and rigidity, while a less rigid lower durometer source material 40 could fill in the gaps of the block to maintain shape.

Referring now generally to the Figures, and particularly to FIG. 8, FIG. 8 is an illustration of a sixth alternate aspect of the Present Invention 42 that includes a plurality of midsole devices 2, 14, 18, 24, & 34 attached to an underside 44 of the footwear 1. The plurality of midsole devices 2, 14, 18, 24, & 34 may be of one configuration or aspect or of a combination of two or more midsole device types, and may be placed at various locations of the underside 44 of the footwear 1.

It is understood that various alternate aspects of the Present Invention may include various elements, to include: (a.) living hinges; (b.) living hinges comprising aspects or elements that provide torsional force to a footwear 1, a ground plate 4C, and/or an undersole 8C, and/or one or more intermediate arms 22A-22C; (c.) living hinges comprising aspects or elements that provide a spring force to a footwear 1, ground plate 4C, a and/or an undersole 8C, and/or one or more intermediate arms 22A-22C; (d.) one or more pivot hinges that rotationally couple a footwear 1, a ground plate 4C, and/or an undersole 8C, and/or one or more intermediate arms 22A-22C; (e.) one or more pivot hinges that rotationally couple and provide a spring force to a footwear 1, a ground plate 4C, and/or an undersole 8C, and/or one or more intermediate arms 22A-22C; and/or (e.) one or more pivot hinges that include a torsional spring element rotationally couple and provide a torsional force to a footwear 1, a ground plate 4C, and/or an undersole 8C, and/or one or more intermediate arms 22A-22C.

It is further understood that various additional alternate aspects of the Present Invention may alternatively, additionally, or optionally include various other aspects or elements, to include pivot hinges or living hinges that provide both torsional force and a spring force to a footwear 1, a ground plate 4C, a and/or an undersole 8C, and/or one or more intermediate arms 22A-22C.

The foregoing disclosures and statements are illustrative only of the Present Invention, and are not intended to limit or define the scope of the Present Invention. The above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. Although the examples given include many specificities, they are intended as illustrative of only certain possible aspects and configurations of the Present Invention. The examples given should only be interpreted as illustrations of some of the aspects of the Present Invention, and the full scope of the Present Invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various adaptations and modifications of the just-described aspects can be configured without departing from the scope and spirit of the Present Invention. Therefore, it is to be understood that the Present Invention may be practiced other than as specifically described herein. The scope of the Present Invention as disclosed and claimed should, therefore, be determined with reference to the knowledge of one skilled in the art and in light of the disclosures presented above. 

1. An midsole device for footwear comprising: a first hinge, the first hinge configured for attachment to an undersole of a footwear and for enabling rotation about an axis substantially normal to a heel-toe axis of the footwear; a ground plate, the ground plate coupled with the first hinge and configured to extend from the first hinge and toward a heel of the footwear; and a spring, the spring coupled with an insole of the ground plate, whereby the ground plate is substantially constrained in five degrees of freedom relative to the footwear.
 2. The midsole device of claim 1, wherein the ground plate is configured to inhibit contact of a heel midsole of the footwear and an external contact surface.
 3. The midsole device of claim 1, wherein the first hinge comprises a spring element, the spring element configured to maintain the spring in compression against the footwear.
 4. In combination, the footwear and the midsole device of claim 1, wherein the first hinge is coupled with the undersole of the footwear.
 5. The combination of claim 4, wherein the spring is coupled with a midsole of the footwear.
 6. In combination, the footwear and a plurality of midsole devices of claim 1, wherein each first hinge of the plurality of midsole devices is coupled with the undersole of the footwear.
 7. The midsole device of claim 1, the ground plate comprising: an intermediate arm, a second hinge and a rear plate, the intermediate arm coupled with the first hinge and the second hinge; the second hinge configured for enabling rotation about an axis parallel to the axis of rotation of the first hinge; and the rear plate coupled with the second hinge and the spring, whereby the intermediate arm and the rear plate are substantially constrained in five degrees of freedom relative to the footwear.
 8. The midsole device of claim 7, wherein the ground plate is configured to inhibit contact of a heel midsole of the footwear and an external contact surface.
 9. The midsole device of claim 7, wherein the first hinge comprises a spring element, the spring element configured to maintain the spring in compression against the footwear.
 10. The midsole device of claim 7, wherein the second hinge comprises a spring element, the spring element configured to maintain the spring in compression against the footwear.
 11. In combination, the footwear and the midsole device of claim 7, wherein each first hinge is coupled with the undersole of the footwear.
 12. The combination of claim 11, wherein the spring is coupled with a midsole of the footwear.
 13. In combination, the footwear and a plurality of midsole devices of claim 5, wherein each first hinge of the plurality of midsole devices is coupled with the undersole of the footwear.
 14. The midsole device of claim 7, the ground plate further comprising: a plurality of second hinges and additional intermediate arms, wherein each intermediate arm is coupled with two second hinges; and each second hinge is configured for enabling rotation about an axis parallel to the axis of rotation of the first hinge.
 15. The midsole device of claim 14, wherein the ground plate is configured to inhibit contact of a heel midsole of the footwear and an external contact surface.
 16. An midsole device for footwear comprising: a first hinge, the first hinge configured for attachment to an undersole of a footwear and for enabling rotation about an axis substantially normal to a heel-toe axis of the footwear; a ground plate, the ground plate coupled with the first hinge and configured to extend from the first hinge and toward a heel of the footwear; and a linkage, the linkage coupled with an insole of the ground plate and comprising a plurality of linkage hinges and a plurality of arms, each linkage hinge coupled with two arms and each linkage configured for enabling rotation about axes parallel to the axis of rotation of the first hinge.
 17. The midsole device of claim 16, wherein the linkage comprises six linkage hinges and six arms, each linkage hinge coupled with two arms and each linkage configured for enabling rotation about axes parallel to the axis of rotation of the first hinge.
 18. The midsole device of claim 16, wherein the ground plate is configured to inhibit contact of a heel midsole of the footwear and an external contact surface.
 19. The midsole device of claim 16, wherein at least one linkage hinge includes a spring element configured to provide a spring force for maintaining the linkage in tension.
 20. The midsole device of claim 16, wherein at least one linkage hinge includes a spring element configured to provide a spring force for maintaining the linkage in tension.
 21. The midsole device of claim 20, the spring element is removably coupled with the linkage hinge, and the spring element may be replaced with a second spring element having an alternate spring quality.
 22. The midsole device of claim 20, wherein the spring element may exhibit a linear spring constant behavior.
 23. The midsole device of claim 20, wherein the spring element may exhibit a non-linear spring constant behavior.
 24. The midsole device of claim 16, further comprising a spring, the spring coupled with the linkage and the spring configured for maintaining the linkage in tension.
 25. The midsole device of claim 16, wherein at least one linkage hinge is selected from the hinge group consisting of a living hinge and a pinned hinge.
 26. In combination, the footwear and a plurality of midsole devices of claim 16, wherein each first hinge of the plurality of midsole devices is coupled with the undersole of the footwear. 